I have spent many years of my life with a servant's heart. I was a waitress at one time and believe it or not, I (mostly) did very well. In those days I had a razor sharp memory and could recall what someone had previously ordered even if they had only been in my restaurant once. These days don’t ask me to quote more than three...or two passages of scripture in one sitting or ask me to recall the names of the U.S. Presidents, all 40 something, maybe, I think. I now have what my family calls Selective Memory.
In my waitress days I once served dinner at a benefit featuring Bob Hope as guest speaker. What a spectacular event, with special effects…created by me. What happened wasn’t totally my fault the way I (selectively) recall it. I accidentally set the flowers at my table on FIRE… but we were able to stomp it out without injury …except to my ability to collect tips. Some people thought I was paying homage to Lucille Ball in honor of Bob Hope, especially after I lied and said that I was.
In my quest for Servanthood, one year I decided to volunteer at the hospital…WHAT? Me?? “No Gory Lori”? Needless to say, gagging in front of the patients did not cheer anyone up. Then I read a quote by Frederick Buechner that basically said: “Your calling is where your greatest joy and the world’s deepest needs meet.” Bingo, I started teaching adults how to read and successfully did so for five years. I learned to use the qualities and quirks that God gave me in ways that would honor Him.
Being a servant enhances life for all those we encountered if one is willing to humbly be used. Mark 10: 45 says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” The Messiah himself chose to be a Servant Leader. That much I can remember. It’s not just caring, it is a life fulfilled if a servant’s smart.
